Back-to-school Story Inspires Cynic

September 2, 2003|Bob R. Zeller Fort lauderdale

I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed your Aug. 20 story on the back-to-school rituals. As a high school English teacher, I tend to get a little cynical about kids (and especially about parents), because it seems so many of them are not being raised at all, much less having such cute family traditions. It was heartwarming, as we prepared to go back to class, to remember that not all kids are so jaded as I think, and not all parents are as unconcerned as it sometimes seems.

Some of the stories reminded me of my own upbringing and how nice my parents always made life for me on those special days like back-to-school. I usually skim articles like that one in a superficial way, since I think I know all that school stuff. But you caught me right up front and I couldn't stop reading.

Teenagers spend a great deal of time acting tough and cool, but your story reminded me that it is often just that -- an act; and I bet plenty of them are secretly excited to start up again.

It was just what I needed to get back in the school spirit after a great summer break. Thanks for reminding me that it is more than just a time to start back to work; it is a big day for lots of families, and I remembered that when I greeted my new kids on Monday. It was a great story.